AAACF Community Grantmaking Program

The AAACF Community Grantmaking Program aims to promote equity in education and reduce racial and economic disparities in Washtenaw County. Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports nonprofits and scholarships, focusing on literacy for marginalized youth, mental health services, and empowering programs. By engaging community-based organizations, AAACF fosters impactful partnerships to enhance the quality of life and build a sustainable future.

Our Purpose
In 1963, residents established the foundation as a permanent source of community capital in Washtenaw County. Think of us as a savings account for the community, with proceeds from our funds distributed to support nonprofits through grants and students through scholarships.
In more technical terms, AAACF is a tax-exempt public charity that helps individuals, families, groups, and organizations accomplish their philanthropic goals.
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation enriches the quality of life in our region through its knowledgeable leadership, engaged grantmaking, and creative partnerships with donors to make philanthropic investments and build endowment.
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's Community Grantmaking Program seeks to increase opportunities for equity in education and to decrease racial and economic inequities throughout Washtenaw County by investing in community-based organizations, capacity-building programs, and/or services that support:
Increase literacy efforts for marginalized youth in elementary to high school
Providing mental health and wellness opportunities for marginalized youth from preschool to high school
Mentoring programs that provide a holistic approach and empower marginalized youth from preschool to high school
Educational programming to support those experiencing unemployment and/or economic hardship

Eligibility

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing services in Washtenaw County, Michigan are eligible to apply for grants from the AAACF.